The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that the entrances to underground tunnels at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear complex were impacted during an overnight US military strike.
“We have confirmed that the entrances to underground tunnels at this site were affected,” the IAEA stated.
Officials said that prior to the 13 June strike by Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities, a significant amount of Iran’s most highly enriched uranium had been stored underground at Isfahan for protection.
‘We urge Iran to show restraint’: UK ambassador
Meanwhile, the UK’s ambassador to the United Nations, Barbara Woodward, spoke during an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
“Further escalation of the conflict poses a threat to regional and global peace. Our top priority must now be to de-escalate tensions,” she said.
“The United Kingdom did not take part in the US or Israeli strikes,” she added. “Military action alone cannot provide a lasting solution, particularly with regard to Iran’s nuclear programme.”
“We now call on Iran to exercise restraint, and urge all parties to return to the negotiating table in search of a diplomatic resolution,” Woodward said.
UN chief: US strikes mark ‘dangerous turning point’ in already volatile region
On the other side, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the emergency session. Key points from his statement said the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities represent a “dangerous turning point” in an already unstable region, adding that there must be an immediate and unconditional halt to hostilities, and serious, sustained negotiations must resume over Iran’s nuclear programme.
“We now face the risk of a cycle of retaliation — one act followed by another. Diplomacy must be brought to the forefront to prevent further escalation, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of maritime navigation,” he added.
